Cricket’s World Test Championship Final rated its socks off across the five days of action but Australia’s latest triumph has been put in its place by arguably even bigger cricket event.
The behemoth that is ABC juggernaut Bluey has become a worldwide phenomenon, based on a family of heelers featuring mum Chilli, dad Bandit, sister Bingo and the eponymous Bluey.
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Three seasons and 151 episodes, the show has tried its hand at cricket and has once again left grown adults in tears.
Cricket has featured in episodes in the past but has mainly just been something on in the background or discussed by the characters.
The story features Bandit recounting a story of a cricket game at a kids birthday party when red kelpie Rusty gets to the crease.
As the adults try to get him out, Rusty smacks them all over the park, while explaining how the youngster developed his skills.
Bluey is a minor player in the episode, saying: “Cricket’s just about hitting a ball around the grass,” before her dad says: “Cricket’s about more than that, kid.”
While not necessarily sounding like a tear-jerking combination, the twist at the end has left many feeling plenty of emotions.
Released in conjunction with the launch of the Ashes series and on day five of the World Test Championship Final, Bluey’s Cricket episode was the top rated non-news show of Sunday with 563,000 viewers, beating Australia wrapping up its latest world title, which peaked with 524,000 metro viewers.
Speaking on The Grandstand Cricket Podcast, 18-Test former Aussie batter Ed Cowan admitted it hit him in the feels.
“Honestly, I was bawling my eyes out,” he said.
“So Romy is ten and a half — she’s too old for Bluey, still loves it.
“If you’re a cricket fan, I don’t care how old you are, you have to watch this episode. And if you don’t have a tear in your eye at the end of the episode, I don’t even know if you’re human.
“And then it got me thinking, why wouldn’t Cricket Australia, if you want the hearts and minds of the kids, Bluey’s the biggest cartoon in the world. It’s massive in the States, you should be pushing cricket.
“These are the mediums if you’re thinking about making money and licensing deals, Bluey’s just handed it to you on a plate.”
And judging by the reception from the rest of the world, it’s a slam dunk for cricket as well.
Broadcaster Andy Maher posted: “Rightfully a lotta love for ‘Cricket’. It’s note perfect and an absolute joy. What shouldn’t be lost is the respect given to technique in the ep – especially Tiny’s action. It’s a thing of beauty. Total respect.”
Cricket journalist Melinda Farrell tweeted: “I’m on the train and FINALLY got to see the Bluey ‘Cricket’ episode. It’s simply beautiful! Do yourself a favour, even if you’re not a kid or you don’t have one. So much to love!”
The Daily Telegraph’s Ben Horne posted: “Cricket can spend millions on marketing to kids… but in seven minutes, Bluey captured the essence and soul of the game for a worldwide audience.”
SEN cricket commentator Adam Collins posted: “Cricket goes straight onto Bluey Mount Rushmore. Watched with Winnie when she got home from nursery – perfection. Not sure how many Rustys are left, but I’m reassured he’s in the middle batting, with his sister, and that millions of kids are now going to want to be like him.”
The Chaser’s Brydon Coverdale said: “Sometimes I wonder why I’ll bother watching some premium TV series of 8 or 10 hour-long episodes when in seven minutes Bluey can pack a bigger punch, more heartfelt moments, greater laughs and deliver far more depth, time after time after time. It is simply perfect storytelling.”
Grade Cricketer Sam Perry tweeted: “WTC into Bluey’s “Cricket” episode. Hell of a 24 hours. Bluey left me in bits. Everyone else I speak to similarly in bits. Details perfect. Soul. Australian cricket is in good hands with Rusty. Dad why are you crying? That kind of thing.”
BBC’s Kate Bottley commented: “Just watched the ‘Cricket’ episode of @OfficialBlueyTV. Oh my they did it to us in ‘Camping’ they did it to us in ‘Daddy drop off’. That final second punch to the gut, a masterpiece.”
It might even crack the US market if The Ringer’s Phil Schneider’s reaction is anything to go by.
“Best Thing I Watched Last Week: The Cricket episode of Bluey has been run back in my house a dozen times since I grabbed it yesterday. Just a beautiful and funny story about perseverance and sportsmanship that had me tearing up at Rusty’s dads letter.”
Bluey was named the most streamed acquired series and sixth overall in the US in the week of April 9 with 737 million minutes watched, which, is well over 100 million streams on Disney+.
If you haven’t seen the Cricket episode or are new to Bluey, Australians can watch for free on ABC iView.
Bluey has dealt with sport in the past, with the Queensland-based family revealed to be keen Maroons fans in The Decider episode, where the family watch a State of Origin match.